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Fabrication Technology of SiC Particle Reinforced Aluminum Matrix Composite Brake Discs for High-Speed Trains Research Progress

Xiangling Wang, Yuan Wang
Vol.5, No.4, pp.37-47, 2026 DOI: 10.62051/ijmsts.v5n4.05 August 27, 2026
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Abstract: With low density, high specific strength, favorable thermal conductivity and wear resistance, SiC particle‑reinforced aluminum matrix composites are highly promising candidate materials for lightweight brake discs of high‑speed trains. This paper summarizes the fundamental theories, various preparation technologies and existing engineering challenges of brake discs made from such composites. It illustrates strengthening mechanisms including load transfer, thermal mismatch and dislocation obstruction, and analyzes the influences of SiC/Al interfacial reactions, particle agglomeration and pore defects on the thermo‑mechanical fatigue, fracture and wear properties of materials. The control essentials, advantages and disadvantages, as well as engineering adaptability of processes such as powder metallurgy, stir casting, pressure infiltration, friction stir processing and additive manufacturing are compared. It is indicated that stir casting is suitable for large‑size components; friction stir processing can construct gradient wear‑resistant microstructures; dual‑configuration microstructures and particle surface coatings can achieve synergistic improvement of strength and ductility. Current material applications mainly face bottlenecks including difficult particle dispersion, formation of interfacial brittle phases, initiation of thermal fatigue cracks, and conflicts between manufacturing scale and cost. The research demonstrates that brake discs require coordination between material microstructure regulation and structural thermo‑mechanical coupling design, which provides references for subsequent process optimization and engineering development of SiCp/Al brake discs for high‑speed trains.
Keywords: SiC/Al interfacial reaction, Pore defect, Thermo‑mechanical coupling
APA Citation: Xiangling Wang, Yuan Wang (2026). Fabrication Technology of SiC Particle Reinforced Aluminum Matrix Composite Brake Discs for High-Speed Trains Research Progress. International Journal of Materials Science and Technology Studies, 5(4), 37-47. https://doi.org/10.62051/ijmsts.v5n4.05

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